Sarasota Youth Orchestras

03/30/2026

This past Saturday, the finalists of the Edward and Ida Wilkof Young Artists Competition performed their solos for a panel of judges. After many fantastic performances and much deliberation, we are thrilled to announce this year's winners!

We are proud of all of the finalists for their hard work and musical growth.

Congratulations! We can't wait to see what great things you will do next!

02/17/2026

So proud to see our Sarasota Youth Orchestra alumni back on stage with the Sarasota Orchestra during last weekend’s Masterworks concerts. 💙🎶

Congratulations to:
✨ Graeme Sugden – flute/piccolo
✨ Michael Miller – clarinet
✨ Shannon Ross – cello

From student musicians to professional artists, it’s inspiring to watch our alumni continue their musical journeys right here at home.

02/12/2026

SYO students had the opportunity to connect with Maestro Giancarlo Guerrero at rehearsal Monday night—asking questions, gaining insight, and feeling inspired.

We can’t wait to share the stage together at our Side-by-Side Concert on February 22!

02/10/2026

01/29/2026

Sarasota Youth Orchestras is incredibly proud of all the musicians that represented our program and the community at FMEA's All-State this year! Thank you to all the private teachers, coaches, and directors that helped to make this possible for our students.

Middle and High School students from across the state of Florida audition every year for a chance to be accepted into FMEA All-State. After winning a spot in one of these coveted ensembles, these talented students rehearse over the course of 3 days before showcasing their abilities on a final performance at the FMEA Professional Development Conference.

Congratulations!

01/12/2026

12/19/2025

All wrapped up in music and holiday cheer at our final rehearsals of 2025! Happy Holidays from our young musicians. May your season be merry, bright, and full of beautiful sound!

11/06/2025

Sarasota philanthropists Tom and Sherry Koski have contributed $5 million to Sarasota Orchestra in support of the Music Center, reflecting their belief in the power of live music to inspire future generations and their commitment to sustaining Sarasota’s legacy of cultural excellence.

As a member of the Orchestra’s Board of Directors since 2014, and now serving as its chair, Tom has been a driving force in shaping the organization’s vision for the future. He and Sherry believe the Music Center marks a defining moment that will secure Sarasota’s artistic future and deepen the Orchestra’s impact across the community through music education.

“There is nothing wrong with this world that a great education can’t fix, and you can’t have a great education without the arts”, said Tom Koski, chair of Sarasota Orchestra’s Board of Directors. “For Sherry and me, this gift is deeply personal, and we feel this is our lasting legacy to the Sarasota community we love. The Music Center and its world-class concert hall will be an important tile in the mosaic for performing arts in Sarasota.”

“Tom and Sherry’s leadership and generosity embody the spirit that has sustained Sarasota Orchestra for 75 years and cemented Sarasota’s legacy as a beacon for the arts,” said David Green, vice chair of Sarasota Orchestra’s Board of Directors. “They give not for recognition, but because they truly care about this Orchestra, our musicians and the community we serve. This gift to the Music Center is an extraordinary expression of their faith in the Orchestra’s future and their enduring belief in the arts as a force for good in our community.”

Learn more about Tom & Sherri Koski, their gift, and the Music Center on our website:
https://www.sarasotaorchestra.org/musiccenter

09/18/2025

09/18/2025

This week, we proudly join communities across the country in celebrating the vital role the arts play in education. We are especially honored to support the Sarasota Youth Orchestras, whose talented young musicians remind us every day of the power of creativity, dedication, and teamwork.

Arts education isn’t just an extracurricular activity — it’s a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. Through music, students learn discipline, collaboration, confidence, and empathy. These skills last a lifetime, shaping not only stronger artists but stronger citizens and leaders.

Now more than ever, it’s essential that we invest in programs that give every child the opportunity to experience the arts. Together, we can ensure that creativity and expression remain central to our schools and communities.

Did you know...Sarasota Youth Orchestras represents over 60 schools in Charlotte, Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota Counties!